Fourteen years ago the world was introduced to the supervillain, Felonious Gru, Sr. (Steve Carell; The Office) when he stole the moon in the Illumination/Universal Pictures' film Despicable Me. Over the years Gru adopted Margo (Miranda Cosgrove; iCarly), Edith (Dana Gaier; Ernesto's Manifesto), and Agnes (newcomer Madison Polan in the most recent film), joined the AVL (Anti Villain League), married fellow agent Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig; Bridesmaids), teamed up with his long lost brother Dru (Carell) and had a son. In the latest installment, Despicable Me 4, Gru and his family, go into hiding after arresting villain and former high school rival, Maxime (Will Ferrell; Barbie). Despicable Me 4 is available for purchase digitally now.
When Gru goes to his high school reunion, he is confronted by Maxime who tells the entire class that he has created human cockroaches, and demonstrates by turning into a cockroach himself. However, when Gru reveals he is with the AVL, he arrests Maxime who vows his revenge. After escaping from jail, Maxime begins his search for Gru, who, along with his whole family, enters the AVL protection program and moves to Mayflower. There Gru is confronted by the nosy teenager, Poppy Prescott. (Joey King; Bullet Train), who blackmails Gru into helping her steal the Honey Badger Mascot from his high school. Eventually Gru and Poppy save his family from Maxime and he and Gru bury the hatchet for good.
The original cast returns once again to reprise their roles which is a good thing as I can't imagine anyone else's voices attached to these characters. Carell is a master of voice work and his Gru is incredibly unique. Wiig's voice gives Lucy a "sing-song" quality that every loving mother should possess (at least the ones in movies) and Cosgrove's, despite being thirty-one now, has the perfect teenage lilt to it. King and Ferrell are interesting additions and Sofia Vergara (Modern Family) is also new playing Maxime's girlfriend, Valentina.
The Digital release is presented in Dolby Vision with a Dolby Atmos audio track and both are excellent. Known for including vibrant colors (especially yellow) the video pops beautifully and the bright palate will easily entice young viewers. The enhanced audio makes everything, from dialogue and sound effects, sound sharp and clean.
The digital release of Despicable Me 4 includes two Minions mini-movies: Game Over and Over (After stumbling upon a powered-up game controller inside Gru's lair, the mischievous Minions discover its ability to control one another, unleashing mayhem as they compete for high scores) and Benny's Birthday (Benny finds himself trapped in a time loop of a Minion-style birthday party, encountering uproarious mischief at every turn).
As the fourth film in the series plus two minion movies, Despicable Me 4 is lacking a little on the plot front but honestly, its intended audience won't especially care. There are some nifty gadgets and the addition of Gru Jr. adds a cuteness factor. Of course, the best part of any Despicable Me movie is the minions and, once again, they don't disappoint. They are bright, adorable, mischievous creatures that offer some funny moments to the plot and always lighten up the mood of almost any scene.
With great-quality technical aspects, an ok plot, a sweet baby, and new and improved (sort of) minions, the latest installment is a solid addition to the franchise. While not the best, there is enough to enjoy as one sits through the movie with little ones.
Despicable Me 4 is for purchase ($29.99) or rent ($24.99 for 48 hours beginning when you start viewing the movie) on several digital outlets including Prime Video, AppleTV+, and VUDU.
